It’s amazing what (sun)light can do for you. We’re talking the magical Vitamin D, said to boost happiness levels, build stronger bones and lower blood pressure. Sunlight can also heal the skin… and generously leave it with little brown gifts called pigmentation. Then there’s the other kind of light called IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), which can also generously lighten the damage dealt. That’s our ZapZapTM for you.

ZapZapTM — An IPL Fairy Tale for the Skin?

The latest introduction to the family of existing treatments, the ZapZapTM series is a suite of IPL treatments targeted at pigmentations, wrinkled/lined skin, acne and acne marks.

IPL isn’t really new to us, but we’d recently given our equipment an overhaul and exchanged our existing Korean technology for the latest, most premium of non-medical grade Spanish Variable Pulse IPL machines that aestheticians are legally licensed to operate. Also, while most other IPL treatments only use blue or green light, our ZapZapTM equipment pairs blue with red light for accelerated recovery.

In other words:

– Better, faster results with even less to no downtime
– It’s good for more than just pigmentations — it’s also great for softening fine lines, heal acne and its marks, balancing excess sebum and brightening the skin
– Suitable for all skin types
– Doesn’t cause dryness to the skin — we promise

We don’t believe in shortcuts, but this is as close as it gets.

Good Things Come in Threes: ZitZapTM, ZapBrightTM and ZapGlowTM

Meet ZitZap™ — the new best friend that makes our signature QuintessentialTM extraction facial so much better. Designed to — well — zap zits, marks and bacteria away, remarkably enhancing skin’s healing after it’s been uncongested (did I just make that up?) to death.

Imagine this: Results so stark yet subtle, a phone camera can’t capture it… but your friends will definitely notice the lines that did a mysterious disappearing act! Designed to reduce fine lines, firm and brighten the skin, ZapGlow™ is an IPL treatment that’s perfect for anti-ageing concerns.

With Good Things Come Bad Things Like Nagging

We love the fast results ZapZapTM brings us and our clients, but as with all things, prevention is better than cure. While some skin problems are truly hereditary (and there’s nothing we can do about genes), we can mitigate/prevent them with these quick skincare tips:

There, we’ve said it. The HA+ Hydrating Serum is the first of Porcelain’s new Intensive line of products, and we made it for the clients who inspired us to curate amazing ingredients into four specific complexes. Four, to help clients from all walks of life enjoy a hydrating serum that would be suitable for any skin type, any age, and any climate. But it took two years before we were ready to unveil it to the world.

The serum was first launched internally — as with any other product we have to ensure it works – before being sold in-store. Like Pauline said during our media launch just the 3rd of May, we run a tight ship with our products.

“Does this product deserve a space on your shelf?”

We took two years to be able to say, hell yeah!

So here’s the story we wanted to share that we feel is more important than any blow-by-blow sales talk. Because hey, you can read that here. Instead, let’s talk about the story behind the HA+ Hydrating Serum.

“I can’t find anything out there that works for me; do you have a solution?”

The truth is, there are many incredible products out there with great anti-ageing benefits, or hydration, or acne control. And that was when it hit us – the keyword is “or”. There is a plethora of products in the market that specifically focus on just one or two main skin concerns. For example, there are many rich creams. Plenty that contain hyaluronic acid. Even more with ingredients that help boost collagen levels… But how many anti-ageing products had more benefits than just plumping up wrinkles? How many could be used by certain people that provide the benchmark of it being suitable for anyone and everyone – people with sensitive or even acneic skin?

“What gap are we trying to fill here?”

With that, out popped our latest flagship product, the HA+ Hydrating Serum – specially designed not just for anti-ageing and hydration, but also to combat acne (with good bacteria) and soothe and even heal sensitive skin. A product to fill out all that the “Ors” couldn’t – to fill the gap that our clients helped us realize was there.

If you’re like some of our clients who first walked through our doors, you might have the misunderstanding that hydration begins only when you’re slapping on moisturizer. Not true! Hydration should really be a part of every step of your skincare routine, including the first: pre-cleansing. Layering is a concept that’s been around for a while now, but many articles we’ve come across talk only about layering on moisturizers… which still focuses on the final step of your skincare ritual. And there’s so much more than that! Today, let’s talk about layering hydration the right way.

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1. Layering hydration begins from cleansing

Your cleanser (and pre-cleanser) should help remove makeup and impurities while still injecting your skin with moisture. Love the squeaky-clean feel of your skin after cleansing? That’s not what you should be gunning for! Instead, your face should feel soft and supple after the first wash, as the former is a sure sign of skin that has been stripped of moisture. Look for pre-cleansers and cleansers that contain hydrating ingredients for a revitalizing and hydrating wash.

2. Hydration continues every step after

Dehydrated skin means it’s more prone to build up and any moisture you want to flush your skin with simply won’t get through. Make room for it! Use a gentle exfoliator with natural plant enzymes and aloe extracts to soften dead skin cells while hydrating the skin.

You then follow with your essences, moisturisers, serums and toners… But wait, in which order? There IS a science to follow if you really want to be layering right.

3. The Golden Rule: Layer from lightest to heaviest

This applies to any skincare routine. After you cleanse and exfoliate, you want to work your way through the thinnest products first and build up to the thickest. Products that are less viscous have smaller particles, thus penetrating more easily and deeply into your skin. These mean your toners, essences and serums, followed by your moisturisers. Look for toners that contain hydrating ingredients like natural rose and jojoba oils and that you can use for a quick spritz throughout the day. Find serums that have hydration powerhouses like sodium hyaluronate and aloe vera to quench thirsty skin. Finally, end with moisturizers that also contain hydrating properties and hyaluronic acid to seal all that water within.

4. A Final Tip: Oils don’t moisturise; they seal

It’s an understandable misconception to think that heavier products are necessary to help dehydrated skin, but it is still a misconception. The truth is, when your skin needs water and you’re giving it oil instead, it’s going to become even more desert-like. Why? Oil keeps water out (or in, if you’d been diligent in your hydrating cleansing regime). Imagine adding heavy cream to a dry sponge – it wouldn’t be absorbed, right? Again, many clients have come to understand that dehydrated skin lacks water – not oil. If you are the kind who suffers from seemingly dry skin yet with overactive sebum glands, it’s a sure sign of dehydration but read more about that here.

A final note…

Layering tops up on moisture every single step so it’s a progressive journey for your skin. Instead of cleansing and toning methods that strip your face down into nothing before dumping a whole lot of moisturiser on again, taking it through a healthier exchange of removing oil while replenishing water helps achieve a balanced skin pH. Moreover, this helps to lock in moisture better!

The mid-day sheen on my face was the bane of my existence before I joined the Porcelain team. The oil made me look that much more unprofessional before the final interview, less attractive before the important date, less… me. That said, I’ve since learnt to be more confident in my own skin (literally and figuratively), and I’ve also learnt why my forehead’s constantly shiny when my skin’s supposedly dehydrated (not dry)!

“Would you recommend a mid-day cleanse for a person whose job requires extended physical activity throughout the day?

– @gadfitsgp

The answer is yes – just do it the right way.

TIP 1. MID-DAY CLEANSING:THE ONE THAT MOST THINK MIGHT BE WRONG, BUT IS ALRIGHT

It’s not really a matter of when, but how you wash your face. Use a hydrating, sulphate-free cleanser that doesn’t strip your skin of its natural moisture. This helps refresh your skin while replenishing it with moisture, so it’s less likely to think it’s too dehydrated and produce oil as a result. Go on with that mid-day cleanse, now!

TIP 2. TONING & MOISTURISING RIGHT AFTER:THE ONE THAT MOST MISS OUT, BUT SHOULDN’T:

After the mid-day wash, remember to reapply your moisturiser and sunscreen afterwards. You’d done it once in the morning, so there’s no reason to skip it now. You’d washed off not just the oil, but the moisturizer and sun protection you previously had on as well. It’s not okay to miss out on this step.

TIP 3. BLOTTING:THE ONE THING MOST PEOPLE DO, BUT ISN’T OKAY

Credits: Into the Gloss

We’re all guilty of this one. Blotters look really gross after they’ve been on our faces, but the more saturated they are with oil, the deeper the pleasure it secretly gives us. But that’s just one more thing I’ve learned. Blotters take away the oil but to compensate for that, your skin starts pumping out more. Often, this leads to clogged pores and acne – the very things we were trying to avoid. Powdered blotters are even more criminal because the powder not only clogs pores, but pushes the dirt and excess oil deeper in.

Blotters are marketed as a quick-fix, and while they’ll give you 5 minutes of gratification, they don’t help to fix the real root of the issue. What you need is to regulate your sebum and pH levels, which are processes that happen beneath the skin’s surface.

Instead, help yourself to that mid-day cleanse. Just remember Tips 1 & 2 to make sure you’re helping, rather than harming, your skin!

Stay True,

WAIT, WHAT’S #DEARPAULINE?

Think “Aunt Agony”, except “#DearPauline” is our personal beauty column! Like our #BareWithMe campaign, in collaboration with the amazing Wear Oh Where, we meet different women from all walks of life to talk skin. Our first instalment of #DearPauline (with Hanli Hoefer) is up now.

Most of us associate the term “pH” with Chemistry classes. Our memories flit back to lab days and playing with the changing colors of liquids. For most, our knowledge of pH stopped at understanding that it stands for “potential hydrogen”. Plus that it’s used to describe how acidic or alkaline a product is. And maybe that the most acidic measures a 1, the most alkaline a 14, and neutral is a 7.

Never did we realize or anticipate its importance in our skin’s health. When we consume unhealthy food or use incompatible products, our deteriorating complexion is normally the first sign of imbalanced pH levels.

What is the perfect pH to achieve for our skin, then, you might ask?

Our skin’s barrier, also known as the acid mantle, works best at a slightly acidic 5.5pH balance. When it is at that ideal level, the skin is able to retain the “good oils” and moisture well while keeping out UV rays, pollution, toxins and bacteria.

However, when the pH leans too much to the alkaline side, our skin becomes dry and sensitive, occasionally resulting in flaking or eczema. Irritations can also strike during this period. This slows down the skin’s ability to ward off enzymes that can destroy collagen, thereby causing wrinkles and sagging.

As for when the skin is overly acidic? Expect enlarged pores, blackheads, and acne.

Thus, equalizing the skin is of utmost importance. That balance is easily attained with a diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, and at least 8 cups of water a day. Needless to say, having a reliable skincare regimen that works well is also necessary.

A balanced skincare regimen

Often times, many run for the hills once they hear “skincare regimen” as they assume an effective one will cost an arm and a leg. Not true! In fact, a simple 4-step system (cleanser, toner, serum and moisturizer) is more than sufficient.

First, begin with a mild, or pH 5.5, cleanser so as to ensure skin is cleansed gently but effectively. Avoid using soaps which lean to the alkaline side nor over wash your skin (water has a pH level of 7). Follow through with an alcohol-free toner to maintain the acid balance as well.

Including a serum such as our Balance, Sebum Control Essence (R.P. $41) will be tremendously beneficial. It not only hydrates skin and controls oil in the short run, but also slowly balances out the skin in the long run. After a few months, one should experience a smoother, softer and more balanced skin texture.

Finally, use a hydrating moisturizer as a finishing touch. This keeps your skin remains constantly moisturized and ups its ability to repair itself against aggressions over the day.

By following through with these steps, achieving that balance will be a breeze.